There is an ambitious program at the NIH to support early-stage, independent clinical researchers.

The Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program provides 5+ years of full-time, funded research in the NIH intramural program for tenure-track level clinical investigators, followed by either continued research at the NIH, or a special opportunity for 5 additional years of NIH funds at an extramural medical center or research institute. Lasker Scholars may be able to maintain an affiliation with their previous institution during their time at the NIH.